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ELMIRA SOARING SCHOOL

Welcome to the Elmira Soaring School web page. We at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center are proud to carry on the great tradition of soaring in the Elmira area that was begun by the Schweizer Aircraft Corporation with their famous sailplanes and Harris Hill which has continued to be one of the foremost soaring centers in the United States.

The Elmira Soaring School uses the same facility that the Schweizer Soaring School used on the South side of the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport and operates as a subset of the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center. We offer training in classic Schweizer sailplanes including the 2-33 and the 1-26. Our tow aircraft include a Piper Pawnee and a Stinson L-5. While our primary focus is on educating youth in the science of flight, we also offer a wide range of training for beginners through experienced pilots who wish to obtain a glider rating or to take their soaring experience to the next level.

The following information provides a description of our available training programs and prices. Please call for additional information on training schedules, lodging, security requirements and enrollment applications.

Introduction to Soaring
Presented by the Soaring Society of America


This video can be purchased from SSA on their website.  If you are interested in learning more about Glider Flights here in the Southern Tier of New York State see the information below or call Wings of Eagles Discovery Center at 607-739-8200 and ask for information on the Elmira Soaring School.

 

 

2009 Course List

Introduction to Soaring $350
For those who want to give soaring a try.  The three dual soaring instruction flights may be completed in the same day.  Reservations are required.  The fee can be credited toward a rating if a complete course is taken within the same soaring season.  Fee includes a soaring logbook.

One Week Soaring Holiday $1,900
This course is similar to the complete private pilot's course, but takes a novice from his or her first instruction almost through the first half of the private pilot training curriculum.  Although solo flights are not guaranteed, it is possible that the student could solo by the end of this 24 flight course.

Time required: 5-7 days.
Prerequisites: NONE                            (Pre-pay discount $100)

Complete Private Soaring Course Approx. $3,400

For the person with little or no flying experience.  This course leads from initial instruction to the private glider certificate upon successful completion of all requirements.  The curriculum consists of 50 flights, one of which is a cross-country dual flight and approximately 12 hours of flying time.  Normally, a pilot can qualify for the FAI "C" Award. 

Time required: 2 weeks. Flexible scheduling is available. Please call us.
Prerequisites: CANDIDATES MUST HAVE PASSED THE FAA PRIVATE GLIDER WRITTEN EXAM BEFORE THE COURSE STARTS.

The Pilot Proficiency Soaring Week Approx. $1,200
This course offers the vacationing soaring pilot a refresher course in soaring, biennial flight review, or the necessary dual flights to qualify for FAA’s Pilot Proficiency Program.  The 18 flights can be any combination of dual or solo agreed upon by the instructor and pilot.  Checkouts in higher performance sailplanes are possible depending on the qualifications of the pilot or dual may be taken in advanced soaring techniques.  Solo flights may be used for attempt at the 5 hour duration flight.

Time required: 4-7 days.
Prerequisite: PRIVATE GLIDER RATING OR HIGHER   (Pre-pay discount - $75)

Power Pilot Soaring Course Approx. $1,800
This course introduces pilots to soaring and enables them to earn a private glider rating (aero tow only) while qualifying for the FAI "C" Soaring Award if weather permits.  Course includes classroom work, approximately 6-8 hours flight time and 25 flights.

Time required: 3-4 days MINIMUM. 
Prerequisites: AT LEAST A CURRENT FAA PRIVATE AIRPLANE RATING  (Pre-pay discount $100)

Commercial Pilot Soaring Course Approx. $2,000

For currently rated commercial pilots who wish to obtain a commercial glider rating (aero tow only).  Consists of power pilots soaring course and instruction in high performance sailplanes.  Course includes briefing and classroom work and a total of 30 flights and approximately 8-10 hours of flight time.

Time Required: 4-5 days.
Prerequisites: AT LEAST A CURRENT FAA COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE RATING
(10% discount for 3 hour time blocks; approximate $111 savings)

Requirements

Soaring Requirements
FAA written examinations are given by your local FAA designated written examiner or by the local computer test center.  We can supply a toll free test center number for your nearest center.  Pilots without a power rating should take a written examination prior to coming to Elmira.

FAA Requirements Part 61
Student: Age 14; solo requirements; basic flight instruction including stall recovery; student certificate endorsed by instructor
Private: Age 16; written exam; student certificate endorsed; 70 solo flights or 7 hours of solo flight in gliders, including 20 glider flights if launched by aero tow. Oral and flight tests.
Commercial: Age 18; written exam; 25 hours of pilot time in aircraft including 20 hours in glider and a total of 100 glider flights as pilot-in-command. Oral and flight tests.

2008 Services & Rates

Passenger Flights
Souvenir card with photo listing passenger's name and signed by pilot is given after first flight.
Introductory Soaring Flight $70.00
Introductory Soaring Lesson $75.00
2-32 Soaring Flight - 1 Passenger $80.00
2-32 Soaring Flight - 2 Passengers* $85.00

* Total passenger weight cannot exceed 275 lb.
Sailplane and Instruction Rates
Souvenir card with photo listing passenger's name and signed by pilot is given after first flight.
Sailplane Dual Rates Solo Rates
Hour Minimum Flight Hour Minimum Flight
2-33 $80.00 $32.00 $45.00 $18.00
1-26     $35.00 $14.00
2-32 $100.00 $55.00    
Sprite (1-36)     $40.00 $16.00

Aero Tow Launches
 
$25.00 for the first 1,000 feet, $10.00 for each additional 1,000 feet.

Cross Country Retrieves
Charges are based upon a rate of $10.00 per air mile between takeoff and landing.  .Retrieves can be by aero tow or auto trailer at the discretion of the chief instructor.   Minimum retrieve charge is $180

General Information

  The Elmira Soaring School offers you complete "package" courses to fit almost any rating or training you desire.  The school offers package courses for the beginner who wants to learn to soar and for the power pilot who wishes to take up soaring and add a private sailplane rating to his or her present certificate.  The school can tailor instruction to fit the requirements of the individual.  The short length of the courses does not allow enough time for knowledge tests to be taken while in residence at the school.  A wide variety of ground training media is available from our gift shop, The Soaring Society of America, aviation supply companies such as Sporty’s and King or through you local FBO to help you prepare for the knowledge and practical tests.

Pricing Policy: a 10% down payment is required to guarantee enrollment.  Prices prefaced by " Approx." are estimates.  Prices are dependent upon number of flights and degree of instructor involvement.  billing for these courses is on a per-flight basis however, the student may purchase blocks of time at a discount as indicated in the above course descriptions.  Tow costs and CFIG charges are NOT discounted.  While we make every effort to prepare the student for the FAA Practical exam, we cannot guarantee success.  Additional training for re-testing will be at the student's expense.

  • THE PRIVATE SOARING COURSE AND THE ONE WEEK SOARING HOLIDAY BEGIN EACH MONDAY.
  • OTHER COURSES MAY BEGIN ON MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY.
  • STARTING TIME IS 8:30 A.M.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE WRITE OR CALL:

Wings of Eagles Discovery Center
17 Aviation Drive
Horseheads, N.Y. 14845
607.739.8200 ext.243

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